OAN Staff Lillian Mann
8:54 AM – Monday, August 17, 2026
Actress Hayden Panettiere, best known for her roles on the television series “Heroes” and “Nashville” has died, her representative confirmed to ABC News.
Panettiere, who was 36 years old at the time of her death, passed away on Sunday while in South Carolina.
The investigation into her death is “ongoing,” her representative Kasey Kitchen said.
“There’s an investigation ongoing,” Kitchen said in a statement. “We should know more tomorrow.”
Based on a preliminary investigation, there were no signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances surrounding her death, according to a statement from police.
Panettiere’s father asked for privacy as their family grieves her passing, saying they need time to process “this unimaginable loss.”
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement to ABC News on Sunday. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
Panettiere began her extensive and successful career as a child star, gaining recognition for her role as Sheryl Yoast in the sports drama “Remember the Titans,” and later gaining fame from her roles as Claire Bennet on the hit series “Heroes” and as Juliette Barnes on the musical drama “Nashville.”
The actress had recently published a memoir, “This is Me: A Reckoning,” in May, detailing her life in the spotlight and her personal struggles with addition and recovery.
She has one daughter, Kaya Klitschko, born in 2014 during her relationship with her former fiancé, heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
While speaking on “Good Morning America” in 2022, Panettiere candidly discussed her personal struggles with alcoholism and postpartum depression.
Her brother, Jansen Panettiere, passed away unexpectedly at 28 years old in February 2023. His family confirmed in a statement that his death was caused by an enlarged heart and aortic valve complications.
The actress was set to turn 37 years old on Friday.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news alerts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Sponsored Content Below
Be the first to comment